Grad on whirlwind tour with Cirque du Soleil

Ask Kevin Johnson '12 about home and he'll smile. The instrumental performance major from Niagara Falls, New York, is never in one place long enough to establish residency. But he wouldn't trade his suitcase for a suburb any day.

The talented and energetic performer is currently celebrating his three-year anniversary as a trumpeter and guitarist with Cirque du Soleil's production of "KOOZA." His whirlwind career with the renowned entertainment giant has taken him across the globe.

From Classically Trained to Creative Showman

A self-described eclectic performer, Johnson has appeared with the Columbus, Owensboro, and Carmel Symphony orchestras as well as The Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Festival Band. He also has performed with musical theatre productions and a Grammy award-winning vocal jazz ensemble. He did a pre-"KOOZA" engagement with Carnival Cruise Lines as a show band musician.

At Baldwin Wallace, Johnson applied his ingenuity to co-founding the BW Beatles, an annual Fab Four tribute concert whose ever-growing popularity has made it a can't-miss Conservatory of Music event. Other accomplishments include earning a Master of Music degree in jazz studies from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and partnering with the world's largest sheet music company, Hal Leonard Corporation, to publish two books.

Johnson credits BW with his success. "BW provided me with the flexibility and openness that was essential for me to discover my own path. To be able to study classically with world-renowned faculty, participate in top-notch jazz ensembles and perform in incredible music theater productions was truly was an invaluable experience that has directly affected where I am today."

Photo credits: Ben Meadors Photography (left); Ghislain Ramage Photography (right)